‘Service offers great value’
BUSINESS owners in Helensburgh have spoken of the value to their operation of support from Business Gateway experts.
The service provides practical advice and support to help businesses start, survive, and grow. It is free and confidential. Businesses can meet with an experienced local business adviser, by phone or video call, to discuss the issues that matter to them.
Recognising that sometimes a quick discussion with a subject expert is helpful for a specific issue, Business Gateway can arrange a free one hour surgery by phone or video with one of their subject specialists.
The expert help topics than can be covered include recruiting and developing staff, becoming an employer, website development and review, social media platforms, SEO, marketing, branding, planning and delivering PR, preparing a tender, managing supply chains, financial analysis, preparing for export, finding agents or distributors, and exporting.
Jewellery maker Caitlin Hegney, who creates a range of rings, necklaces and earrings at her home studio in Helensburgh, and is one of the local business owners to have taken advantage of one of those one-hour surgeries, said: “The information and feedback was do-able. We even sorted some issues on the spot as we could screen share and I could get live advice.
“I have learned how to make improvements to my website that will help my visibility online.”
Another Burgh business owner, Irina Agostinelli of Fabric and Finery in West Clyde Street, added: “The option of receiving direct answers to direct questions by a qualified adviser is invaluable to my business.”
For more information about Business Gateway, visit www.bgateway.com.
The service also has a package of grant support available to help small businesses, including a small business development grant of up to £5,000; a business start-up grant of up to £1,000; and a trade fair, training or accreditation grant of up to £1,000.
For detailed information on all the support available, including eligibility criteria and application forms, visit www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/business-andlicensing/business-support/financialsupport-and-grants-businesses.